Thursday, February 14, 2013

Yesterday, Adidas had a huge launch for its new proprietary BOOST
foam. The brand states the BOOST compound has the “highest energy return in the
running industry,” and the perfect balance
between cushioning and energy return in all temperatures. Erik Liedtke stated, “Energy
Boost will reset the running industry and pave the way for all future performance
footwear.” Temperature test taken to 104 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit, revealed BOOST to be 3X more temperature-resitant than
standard EVA material. Check out the video from the Adidas Event in NYC here: http://youtu.be/w2WDVs-_fBo

Friday, February 8, 2013

Saucony’s Kinvara series has developed a cult like
following amongst lightweight and minimal fans. In May 2013, the successful 4mm
drop shoe will be receiving an update with the addition of the Kinvara 4. Not a
huge change from the popular Kinvara 3, but look for an improved upper design
and the addition of a PowerGrid heel insert. The stripped down upper, increases
breathability and has a much softer feel during foot flexion. Updating to Saucony
PowerGrid cushioning will give a smooth transition from heel to toe. Look for
the Saucony Kinvara 4 in May 2013 for $100.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Minimal platforms with a little more cushioning seemed to
be dominating the updates for 2013. The New Balance Minimus line has been
extremely successful and the NB 1010 Trail Shoe is no different. The Boston based
brand will be updating to the Trail 1010v2 in Fall 2013. As described in the
video below, the New Balance 1010v2 offers a lower (4mm drop) ride, an aggressive
Vibram outsole and a protective impact plate. The updates are mostly seen in
the upper with TPU film supports and a new tongue design. The New Balance
1010v2 trail running shoe will retail for $110.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Many Mizuno fans will be a little disappointed as the
Mizuno Wave Precision 14 bites the dust. Fortunately, Mizuno will be replacing
it with an amazing new design called the Mizuno Wave Sayonara. As one of the
most anticipated shoes for Fall 13, the Wave Sayonara will be on the lightest
trainers on the market at 8.1 oz. The midsole is comprised of Mizuno’s u4ic EVA
which is 30% lighter than their AP+ compound. Wave plate is found in the heel
for impact protection and a smooth ride. The innovative no-sew upper design
uses printed overlays for a secure fit with minimal abrasion points. Check out
the review above from the guys at Running Village. Release in July 2013, the
Mizuno Wave Sayonara will retail for $120.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Asics Gel Cumulus series has been extremely successful
for runners looking for a neutral ride and plenty of cushioning. Look for the
update coming Fall 2013 in the form of the Asics Gel Cumulus 15. The successor to the Gel-Cumulus14, look for the 15 to offer a similar combination of light stability and
cushioning for under to mild overpronators. Gel Cumulus 15 gains a technical
update with an improved upper fit and cushioning. The Gel Cumulus 15 will be
out in late 2013 and will retail for $115.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Altra Zero Drop Footwear has done a tremendous job of
giving a wide array of options for the minimalist minded runner. They recently
announced an update to the Lone Peak model. As an aggressive trail runner, the
Lone Peak 1.5 will offer a Zero heel-to-toe drop, rugged outsole and plenty of
protective cushioning. Altra removed many of the overlays around the midfoot,
making the Lone Peak 1.5 much more flexible, streamlined and lighter weight. At
9.9 ounces, the Lone Peak 1.5 is an entire ounce lighter than the previous
model. This amazing new design will hit stores in April 2013 and retail for
$115.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Saucony will be updating the Trail model of the
successful Kinvara series in the Fall of 2013. The flashy Kinvara TR2 looks to
be built on a similar platform and featuers a carbon fiber rock plate in the
midsole. The use of carbon fiber delivers improved flexibility and durability
while keeping feet protected from sharp objects. Saucony has also improved the
cushioning in the Kinvara TR2, upgrading from ProGrid to Saucony PowerGrid
cushioning in the heel. The SauconyKinvara TR2 will retail for $100 as should be out in late 2013.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Salomon will be launching the Fellraiser in 2013. Taking inspiration from its ultra light mountain
runner, the S-LAB Fellcross, the Fellraiser is lower to the ground and much
more flexible than previous Salomon models. Trail runners will love the spike
like traction from the non-marking Contragrip outsole and the lightweight and
fast-drying upper. Not sure on the heel-to-toe drop on the Fellraiser yet, but injected
EVA midsole and use of Salomon’s lightweight muscle should lend towards quick
transition from mid-foot to toe-off. Weight
is approximately 8.2 OZ

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Running Warehouse recently dropped a big sneak Peek on a
new “Barefoot Style” shoe that will be out later in 2013. Keeping true to the
Merrell Barefoot Line, the Merrell Ascend Glove will be a zero-drop trail running
shoe, yet provide more cushioning than the successful Trail Glove. Traversing technical
trails in minimal footwear can be taxing on a runners foot and legs. The Ascend
Glove from Merrell solves this problem by offering a 10.5 mm stack height and a
protective Rock-plate that runs from the forefoot to the heel. The upper uses
Merrell’s new MotionMesh, that has increased breathability and flexes freely
with the foots natural movements. The Vibram outsole looks much more aggressive
than previous models for increased traction on mountainside trails. The Ascend Glove will be out in July 2013 and
will retail for $120.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The Running Event held in Austin, TX was a great
opportunity for many in the Running Industry to come together and discuss the
future. 2013 has been off to a quick start with lots of new exciting products
on the way. Above is a video courtesy of the guys over at Shoe Addicts. The
clip is a great interview with ASICS consultant and biomechanics expert Simon Bartold. Dr.Bartold covers the impact of barefoot/minimalist movement on the
running industry and the FluidAXIS technology behind the new ASICS running
line.